Poetry: Mantras for Self-Appreciation (I-M)
63Creative Imagery
Thank you for continuing this journey of creative imagery. We are halfway through this alphabet of inspirational mantras. It is my sincere wish that you all appreciate your unique worth by taking some time to slow down, breathe and reflect.
Immortal
Have you seen a bird,
Soaring high from ground to sky,
Flying off somewhere?
A baby is born,
So much potential in me,
Life developing.
Wrinkles on my face,
Photos, words and memories,
Legacy is mine.
I believe in miracles. Mom's death in May, 2010 rocked our family with a sudden thud. Yet, about nine months later, a lovely little girl was born. Her name is Kylie and she is my great niece.
Mom always told us 'when God took someone, a baby was born in their place'.
"A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain." (Mildred Witte Stouven)
Journey
Childhood goals and dreams,
Leading life with sure purpose,
Caring in my blood.
Then one crazy day,
I faced the end and came back,
Stronger than a tree.
For I found my roots,
Discovered a source of peace,
My ride is starting!
I recently learned the word STAYcation from a student who needed time off, to hear herself think. I have taken this word one step further in that our life journey must start within ourselves, our hearts.
I have also learned that we are all so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for.
"Dying is a wild night and a new road." (Emily Dickinson)
Knowledge
Some things I know well,
Other subjects may remain
Forever foreign.
My mind is a sponge,
Receptive to each of you,
Thirsty for your worth.
Point of view is key,
Respect of fact and opinion,
Be true to your heart.
I have always enjoyed learning. It makes me sad to see youth who do not feel they are capable of achievement. I love to see awesome parents and teachers rectifying this myth.
The older I get, the more I learn from little kids, especially at ground level. And it should be no secret how much my animals have taught me through the years...
"Life was meant to be lived and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Love
Love feels like the sun,
Daily are we blessed with such,
Though we may not see.
A puppy's glad squeal,
A lover's whisper so tender,
A child's happy cry.
Somebody loves you,
You love someone as much too,
Remember and smile.
These are my two basic strategies for a happy and loving relationship:
** Be just a little more in love today than you were yesterday...
** It's okay to shake things up a little (evolve, be daring,...) just keep talking, and always start every day with a happy and loving heart.
"We can only learn to love by loving." (Doris Murdock)
Mistakes
As I age in life,
I'm happy to make mistakes,
As long as sincere.
Perfection is myth,
Like make up, it's hard to keep,
The facade up long.
So glad to be me,
Can't fit in anyone else's shoes,
Don't dwell in what if.
There was once a perfectionist named marcoujor. She was cured of this terrible malady one day, running late for work, many years ago.
'How', you might ask?
She burst into private, hysterical laughter in the ladies room when she noticed she was wearing identical shoes-- only one was navy and one was black!!
"People that keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile." (Judith Guest)
© Maria Jordan (November, 2011)
The Series Continues
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Hello mar. I say this with deepest respect, I learned the alphabet from the wrong people. You message of love, personal growth, positive feelings are shear delight, as well as important. You are a philosopher as well as a teacher.
This is really perfect for me today. I especially love "Then one crazy day,
I faced the end and came back,
Stronger than a tree." Oh how I have been in that place when I thought I would just lie down and let my heart stop beating. Then there was the end and I came back to love and live again. I have never regretted it. Thank you for this one.
Dear mary,
What a gracious and sweet comment to make. Even though we haven't been following each other long, it feels that way. You are a sweetheart!
Have a good night and look forward to visiting you soon, mar.
After reading previous hubs I'm a fan of this series. There is difficulty while choosing between these beautiful compositions, I loved Mistakes, though. I envy your humility in your authorial voice.
"My mind is a sponge,
Receptive to each of you,
thirsty for your worth."
Now Maria, this is you. This is certainly you.
The picture that came to mind while I looked at these letters coming out of your personal alphabet was you pulling out plants out of the ground, roots and all. And it struck me that this is exactly what you are doing - pulling out the letters and showing us the roots they have grown in your life.
You, girl, see things... truths in this life... essence in letters... very few people are able to say... Or let me say it: You surely see beyond the face of death... the truth that really matters, that is what you see.
I'm giving you an A++ for this one.
I feel so honoured to have the privilege to enjoy the friendship of a person like you.
(Now 6:10am Friday down here and not yet Thursday midnight up there in your valley.)
Hi Mar
Link of your entries for the contest may be posted in this forum -
Dear Mike,
Thank you so very much for this sincere feedback. It feels right to share myself in this way, at this time with all of you. The collective feedback is most heartening and humbling at the same time.
I do fear my caffeine level is on the rise, as I am planning my next trip to the Cafe for a refueling, mar.
Dear Hyph,
I smile with heartfelt joy at your comment. I recognize a SISTA now who has not only survived but THRIVED and this is what makes that pen go crazy with your inspirational passion, no matter what genre I read from you or what photography you present us with like a gift!
YOU are the gift, my dear. I finally got it! Thank you for helping me to understand. Always your pal, mar.
Hi mar, this is my favourite of the series so far,
'our life journey must start within ourselves'
I have read this several times already, it's truly lovely.
Best wishes my friend, MM
As we journey through life, we are preparing for the ultimate unknown. Your message is so hopeful!
Dear Vinaya,
Your loyalty to this series is most appreciated, as well as your sincere comments. You speak from your heart, mar.
Dear Martie,
Thank you for your beautiful and supportive comment.
You say "pulling out by the roots"/ I say "cutting to the chase"........you say "tomAto" ........ I say "tomato"....... but I sure DON'T want to call the whole thing off...!! BTW, we have some practicing to do before the wedding... Earl is in a frenzy about the entertainment!
Thank you for the link, which I hope everyone has noted to the forum thread. This is the coolest contest I can remember since joining, mar.
Thank you for your ongoing support, Movie Master! I have two more days of this series planned, so please let me know if this is still your favorite installment when all is said and done.
Have a wonderful weekend and will be visiting you soon, mar.
This is so inspirational and uplifting as are the many comments you've already received. Your wisdom and big open heart touch us to our core and you inspire, support and help us reach for the stars while knowing that even if we fall short you'll still be there to tell us it's okay because we tried and can now learn to do it better next time.
I feel so blessed to be your follower and am looking forward to reading the rest of this stellar series of mantras. Voted up across the board. Those shoes really cracked me up!
Dear Gail,
Thank you for allowing me to wake up to such a beautiful comment from a friend who always inspires me! It is so cool to find you all over HubLand leaving your special magic, all the while you are publishing some exquisite hubs of your own, calling me to the beaches of Delaware with your gift of photography!
I know, I know... Martie has her addictions... and I have SHOES! I'm glad I made you laugh and have a wonderful day! SYS, mar.
Dear Car51,
Thanks for your faithful following of this series and your insightful comment.
Hope you have a peaceful weekend, mar.
I started when the alphabet was already advanced and now doing some backtracking as I wish to hear more words of wonderful wisdom coming from you. Am loving this alphabet series of poetry mantras from you! Votes up!
Thank you again mar for sharing this gem.
Your hubs are all wonderful and I am sure you are an inspiriation to so many on here.
Here's to such a long time to come of hub sharing.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Eiddwen.
Mantras for self appreciation, wonderfully and brilliantly achieved here at this hub. If one could only live these tenets, how sweet life would always be. I truly felt immortal on my journey to discover knowledge and hence Love to find and realize all the mistakes I have fallen into and made in my journey to get to where I'm at now in my stage of becoming a senior citizen.
BTW that pussy cat you are holding so adorably is identical to my ginger striped Tabby, her name being Sabrina, they are simply a loving, smart and beautiful feline. Your dogs are fine to, but you know what felines think of them:=) Cats rule and dogs drool..lol... Great piece here love the imagery and it stimulated all my senses. Bravo, rated way beyond UP...
Well, Peggy, it is obvious that as I have been writing my mantras, you have been taking some exquisite photography that I have been missing around and about your Texas home!
I thank you for taking time to visit me and I am going to enjoy your work as I hope my other pals do as well.
You will not be disappointed if you check out, Peggy W!
See you soon, mar.
Dear Eiddwen,
Thank you so very much for your loyal following of this series. You are a good friend.
Have you found your way to Mike's Emerald Wells Cafe series yet? Us gals have a "regular booth" and we are saving you a seat, mar.
saddle,
I sure do have a whole bunch of comment to what you have said... I am going to 'practice what I preach' and summarize by saying:
those of us who call you friend at HubPages find you to be a kind man, hardly a "fossil" as you like to let on, who protects women from bullies and loves cats. This qualifies you for an 'A' from this teacher!
Thank you for your gracious comments, mar.
My dear mar, I have to agree with martie, i immediately dropped on the same verse as her. But as she has beaten me too it I will salute Journey. Because if any one knows the meaning behind journey it is you, my proud, strong and precious cyber sis. I will follow where you lead, but at other times you will follow me until the end of time. Love ya girl. xx
Dearest Annette,
Somehow I know our journey has only just begun. I love that we take turns leading and following. Your visits and comments are golden to me. Love you, mar!
Mar, wish I could express properly the feelings these I-M mantras brought about. I'll be coming back to these and the others as the days go on. Whenever down or having doubts, this is what I want to read. Bless you good friend.
Dear Alastar,
I think you expressed yourself just fine. I am honored that my mantras could help you when feeling down or doubtful. These are feelings we all have, so it feels like we share them together and get stronger.
Have a peaceful evening, mar.
Hi Mar,
I find it ironic how journey, knowledge, love and mistakes ALL really fit into my current life. These mantras are wonderful. And I love your comments and quotes (and pics) that follow. Very inspirational to me.
Sharyn
Dear Sharyn,
Your comment really highlights for me that we all share a universality. Thus, I am grateful that these mantras are continuing to be of value to you. This was my sincere intention when developing the series.
Hoping your Thanksgiving is peaceful. Thinking of you, mar.
Dear Mar,, Happy New Year to You and I do hope that you are well :)) xx I love your work and your photographs also are beautiful. xx
Dear dotty,
Thank you so much for stopping by. It is fabulous is see you, and I very much appreciate your wonderful remarks.
Hoping that 2012 is a happy and healthy year for you and your loved ones. Have a great weekend, mar.
Dear Mar ~ You are "IMMORTAL" and so are your words, photos and thoughts. Your openness to share every part of you amazes me. ((HUGS)) Debby
Thank you, dear Debby, for the beautiful feedback and presence that you bring to my corner every time you visit. You are surely one of the brightest stars on HubPages in my humble opinion.
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Hugs back atcha, mar!
loved them all!
Your faithfulness to this series is causing a great inner smile.
Thanks, anjperez! Hugs, mar.
Happy #MLK DAY . Time for a walk and reflection. ((HUGS)) Debby
Hope you had a peaceful day, Debby. I always love when you stop by.
Until next time, take good care, Maria
Mar, Many cultures throughout history and certainly prehistory believe and have believed in accordance with your wise mother: "when God took someone, a baby was born in their place." It's an enchanting idea which seems believable to me; it makes sense from a view of maintaining balance and fits in with a cyclical view of life in which our ends are in our beginnings and our beginnings are in our ends, etc.
I really treasure your quotations. Emily Dickinson's observation about death as "a wild night and a new road" has provided me with many musings.
These four mantras here are deep, all-encompassing, and, for me, reassuring: Immortal - Journey - Knowledge - Love.
Excellent choices!
Kind regards, Stessily
Dear stessily,
I thoroughly believe in the natural balance of our universe and the progression of future generations standing where once their parents did...
We are so blessed to have Kylie in our family. She is a child of joy and will be 'the big one' at the end of the month. I am having a simple embroidery picture of the four seasons framed that I had made/ given Mom when I was 8yo. Mom treasured it for 'many' years and I am thrilled to pass it on to our future.
Thank you for your most thoughtful remarks, mar.
Mar, Your gift for Kylie's first birthday is perfect! A special children's book for me is Patricia Polacco's "The Keeping Quilt", which concerns an heirloom quilt in which family events and ancestors are represented by the quilt's fabrics. Kylie will treasure her Keeping Embroidery, which connects her to you, your Mother, and everyone who is associated with your artistry as an 8 year old.
Best birthday wishes for Kylie. One candle on a cake!
Kind regards, Stessily
Dear Stessily. I plan to add your suggested book by Patricia Polacco's "The Keeping Quilt" to my list of books to purchase for my great niece.
Thanks for your lovely birthday wishes to Kylie as well.
Hugs, mar.
mary615 Level 8 Commenter 6 months ago
I'm so glad to be following you, so I don't miss anything you write. I find the older I get, the more I appreciate what I have and those friends and loveds ones more. Looking forward to your next Hub.